A new era in college basketball emerged during the Covid times. Transfer portals opened. NIL began. Dynasties of the past are forgotten, as a college team rarely looks the same year after year. One of the biggest names in college basketball just changed that trend for the Purdue Boilermakers. The 2022 player of the year, Zach Edey, is coming back for his senior year. The 7’4” star took his name out of the NBA draft basket with a few hours to spare, electing to remain in college. The Boilermakers return all five starters from their 2022 roster. Edey electing out of the draft has changed the outlook for the NCAA next year.
It was not looking like any NBA teams would be drafting Edey in the first round. Surely, that played a big role in the decision. Kentucky Wildcats star Oscar Tshiebwe won the 2021 College POY and stayed in the school for the following year under similar circumstances. Unfortunately, Kentucky is one of the dynasties of the past that may never see continued major success again due to the transfer portal and NIL. The most obvious reason for both of these players staying in school is to up their ranking for the next draft. The gap in salary from a first round selection to a second round one is wide. The recent rule changes in college basketball to allow the players to earn money has helped bridge that gap.
Edey staying at Purdue is actually great for college basketball as a whole. Not to mention, he is fun to watch. The camera flashes to his mom every game. That adds to the emotion of NCAA basketball. We have all been there rooting for our schools.
Is the NIL Good for College Sports?
Whether you agree with the NIL or not, this certainly shows a positive aspect of it. Zach has the opportunity to finish his senior year at the same college he started with. Whether or not he would have done that without the opportunity to earn money while he is still in college can only be interpreted as, who knows?
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